SUAKOKO, Bong County – In a vibrant display of agricultural innovation and collaborative development, the Seeds4Liberia Project, based at the Central Agricultural Research Institute (CARI), on July 18, 2025, held a well-attended cassava field day showcasing seven high-yield cassava varieties. The event culminated in the distribution of “Game Changer”, a distinctive breeder seed variety, to farmer organizations from Lofa and Nimba counties as part of an initiative to boost foundation seed production across Liberia.

Implemented by the International Institute for Tropical Agriculture (IITA) in close collaboration with CARI, the Seeds4Liberia Project is transforming seed systems through strategic partnerships with the Ministry of Agriculture (MoA), the Seed Development Certification Agency (SDCA), and other key stakeholders. Funded by the European Union and spearheaded by AfricaRice, the project’s broader goal is to enhance seed production, certification, and distribution within Liberia’s agricultural value chains, including rice, cassava, soybean, coffee, and fish.

Speaking at the event, Minister of Agriculture Dr. J. Alexander Nuetah, on behalf of the project and the Government of Liberia, emphasized the significance of the cassava seed handover and the collaborative efforts that made it possible. 

Reflecting on the Liberian delegation’s engagement with IITA over a year ago in Nigeria, he remarked: “After these cassava cuttings were approved and sent to Liberia for multiplication, and now that we have seen the results, I am very impressed that at least what we agreed to do is becoming a reality, though we are not there yet. Let me say thanks to the IITA team and our CARI colleagues for making this dream come to reality.”

Highlighting the importance of genetic diversity and adaptability, the Minister pointed out the uniqueness of each variety, while also reaffirming the government’s commitment to cassava value addition through the upcoming completion of a starch processing factory in Weala, Margibi County, expected to be completed next year.

The distribution followed a three-day workshop on cassava foundation seeds production from Tuesday, July 15 – 17, 2025, representatives of farmers’ organizations from across the country participated in the day-long cassava field day at CARI. The After the Rain Multi-Purpose Farmers’ Cooperative Society from Lofa County and the Rural Women for Sustainable Development group from Nimba County were the first beneficiaries to receive bundles of the Game Changer variety, known for its fast maturation (10–12 months), attractive foliage, well-formed roots, and low moisture content, making it highly suitable for processing and commercialization.

This distribution marks a strategic push toward food security and rural economic empowerment, with CARI and IITA also working to enhance local cassava varieties. Seven of the 54 improved Nigerian varieties, No Hunger, Baba 70, Game Changer, TMS-95/0289, TMS-92/0057, TME-693, and Dixon, have been planted in trial plots at Suakoko to assess performance under Liberian agro-climatic conditions.

To support foundation seed multiplication, IITA is guiding farmers to identify conflict-free, tenure-secure plots of at least one hectare (2.5 acres), ideally located 20–30 meters off secondary roads and five kilometers from major thoroughfares. Additionally, cooperatives are encouraged to complete formal registration, enabling smoother engagement with regulatory bodies and support mechanisms.

As the SDCA and other partners prepare for site verification visits, the Seeds4Liberia Project continues to demonstrate its impact in advancing resilient seed systems, laying the foundation for a productive and commercially viable cassava sector in Liberia.Seeds4Liberia and CARI Launch Cassava Transformation Drive: Distribute High-Yield 'Game Changer' Breeder Seeds to Strengthen Foundation Seed Production in Lofa and Nimba Counties

SUAKOKO, Bong County – In a vibrant display of agricultural innovation and collaborative development, the Seeds4Liberia Project, based at the Central Agricultural Research Institute (CARI), on July 18, 2025, held a well-attended cassava field day showcasing seven high-yield cassava varieties. The event culminated in the distribution of “Game Changer”, a distinctive breeder seed variety, to farmer organizations from Lofa and Nimba counties as part of an initiative to boost foundation seed production across Liberia.

Implemented by the International Institute for Tropical Agriculture (IITA) in close collaboration with CARI, the Seeds4Liberia Project is transforming seed systems through strategic partnerships with the Ministry of Agriculture (MoA), the Seed Development Certification Agency (SDCA), and other key stakeholders. Funded by the European Union and spearheaded by AfricaRice, the project’s broader goal is to enhance seed production, certification, and distribution within Liberia’s agricultural value chains, including rice, cassava, soybean, coffee, and fish.

Speaking at the event, Minister of Agriculture Dr. J. Alexander Nuetah, on behalf of the project and the Government of Liberia, emphasized the significance of the cassava seed handover and the collaborative efforts that made it possible. 

Reflecting on the Liberian delegation’s engagement with IITA over a year ago in Nigeria, he remarked: “After these cassava cuttings were approved and sent to Liberia for multiplication, and now that we have seen the results, I am very impressed that at least what we agreed to do is becoming a reality, though we are not there yet. Let me say thanks to the IITA team and our CARI colleagues for making this dream come to reality.”

Highlighting the importance of genetic diversity and adaptability, the Minister pointed out the uniqueness of each variety, while also reaffirming the government’s commitment to cassava value addition through the upcoming completion of a starch processing factory in Weala, Margibi County, expected to be completed next year.

The distribution followed a three-day workshop on cassava foundation seeds production from Tuesday, July 15 – 17, 2025, representatives of farmers’ organizations from across the country participated in the day-long cassava field day at CARI. The After the Rain Multi-Purpose Farmers’ Cooperative Society from Lofa County and the Rural Women for Sustainable Development group from Nimba County were the first beneficiaries to receive bundles of the Game Changer variety, known for its fast maturation (10–12 months), attractive foliage, well-formed roots, and low moisture content, making it highly suitable for processing and commercialization.

This distribution marks a strategic push toward food security and rural economic empowerment, with CARI and IITA also working to enhance local cassava varieties. Seven of the 54 improved Nigerian varieties, No Hunger, Baba 70, Game Changer, TMS-95/0289, TMS-92/0057, TME-693, and Dixon, have been planted in trial plots at Suakoko to assess performance under Liberian agro-climatic conditions.

To support foundation seed multiplication, IITA is guiding farmers to identify conflict-free, tenure-secure plots of at least one hectare (2.5 acres), ideally located 20–30 meters off secondary roads and five kilometers from major thoroughfares. Additionally, cooperatives are encouraged to complete formal registration, enabling smoother engagement with regulatory bodies and support mechanisms.

As the SDCA and other partners prepare for site verification visits, the Seeds4Liberia Project continues to demonstrate its impact in advancing resilient seed systems, laying the foundation for a productive and commercially viable cassava sector in Liberia.